The Amsterdam Marathon is the biggest running event in the Netherlands, with a rich history spanning over a century.
The marathon route is known for its flat and fast course, making it a favorite among both professional and amateur runners. It holds the prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label Road Race status and is ranked as the fourth fastest marathon in the world.
Whether you’re an experienced marathon runner or a beginner looking for a new challenge, this Amsterdam Marathon Route Guide is an essential resource for all runners.
So, let’s get started and check out what it’s all about!
Amsterdam Marathon Course Overview
The Amsterdam Marathon Route is quite the adventure, covering a whole 26.2 miles (or 42.2 km for the metric folks). It kicks off and wraps up at the historic Olympic Stadium.
Now, here’s a little tip: at the start, you might be all pumped up and tempted to go full speed ahead, especially since it’s usually nice and cool in the morning.
But, remember, a full marathon is a looong way to go. That’s why it’s a good idea to start at a sensible pace, so you’ve got enough left in the tank to finish strong. Don’t burn out too soon!
Early in the race, the course takes you through Vondelpark, a famous urban park in Amsterdam known for its beautiful scenery. You’ll enjoy the tree-lined paths and serene atmosphere.
You’ll pass through it twice – once at the beginning, about 2 km (1.2 miles) in, and again when you’re on your way back at 40 km (24.9 miles).
Vondelpark serves as a comforting place when you’re heading back to the stadium. It’s an ideal location for spectators to offer their cheers and provide that extra burst of motivation to propel you toward the finish line.
Around the 4 km (2.5-mile) mark, you’ll pass through the famous Rijksmuseum on Stadhouderskade.
The stunning architecture and artistry will provide a captivating backdrop to your run, allowing you to soak in some art and history as you run. You’ll pass here again at 38 km (23.6 miles) on your way back.
At the 13 km (8-mile) mark, a sharp turn awaits you at the end of President Kennedylaan. Leaving the cityscape behind, you’ll follow the scenic Amstel River southward for 5 km (3.1 miles) until you reach Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.
Along the way, you’ll see some windmills and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
Starting at 14 km (8.7 miles), you’ll run along the Amstel River, which is really scenic. This is where you hit a turning point and start running back.
Look out for a First Aid point at 16 km (9.9 miles). There’s also a Mini Marathon just before the first marathoners arrive.
After the Amstel River segment, the course winds through the Amstel Business Park, featuring lively music, entertainment, and enthusiastic spectators. However, please note that this part of the course is relatively narrow.
Between the 32 km and 37 km (19.9-23 miles) marks lie the most challenging section of the marathon. This is where your cheer squad can make a huge difference!
Heading back to central Amsterdam from the river, you’ll go through canals, cross old bridges, and pass through city parks.
As you near the end, you go under the Wibaustraat at 37 km (23 miles). People will be cheering as you climb the Torontobrug bridge, heading for Vondelpark. You’ll find a Polar DJ booth there, playing music to keep you going.
A bit later, at 33 km (20.5 miles), there’s the Galileïplantsoen with another Mini Marathon and a First Aid spot.
Your marathon ends at the Olympic Stadium. You’ll complete the 42.2km (26.2 miles) race with a victory lap around the track. The crowd inside the historic stadium is really excited as you finish.
We will be adding a pacing chart calculator here soon. So, keep an eye out!
Amsterdam Marathon Elevation Chart
The Amsterdam Marathon’s flat and gentle terrain is a significant factor contributing to its reputation as a race where you can achieve personal bests and even set new records.
Here are some additional details about the race’s elevation profile:
Elevation Profile:
Total Climb: 84 meters (274 feet)
Total Descent: 84 meters (274 feet)
With only slight inclines and declines, the course is designed to be fast and runner-friendly. This minimal elevation change allows you to maintain a consistent pace and focus on your performance without the challenge of significant hills.
So, as you tackle this marathon, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to achieve your best time and reach your running goals.
Amsterdam Marathon Course Map
Amsterdam Marathon GPX File
Having a GPX file for the Amsterdam Marathon can be extremely helpful on race day.
The Amsterdam Marathon GPX file can be extremely helpful in planning your marathon. You can upload it to a platform like Google Maps so that you can interact with the map prior to race day. You can also upload it to your fitness watch so that you can use it on race day.
Now that you have a glimpse of what’s in store for you in Amsterdam, let’s dive deeper into what you can anticipate along the Amsterdam Marathon Route.
Here’s What You’ll Find At Water Tables Along The Amsterdam Marathon Route
During the Amsterdam Marathon, there are strategically placed sponge and water stations dedicated to keeping you hydrated and energized throughout the race.
You’ll find these stations at key points along the route, including the 5K (.31 miles), 11.5K (7.1 miles), 15.5K (9.6 miles), 20K (12.4 miles), 26K(16.2 miles), 31K (19.3 miles), 33K (20.5 miles), 35K (21.2 miles), 38.5K (23.9 miles), and 40.5K (25.1 miles) markers, as well as at the finish line.
Here, you can expect to receive essential items like water, AA Drink Iso Lemon sports energy drink in convenient 0.15L (5.1 fluid oz) cups, and bananas to fuel your run. These stations also have restroom facilities and first-aid services.
However, it’s important to note that not all stations will offer the same items.
For instance, the stations at 33K (20.5 miles) and 40.5K (25.2 miles) may not have the AA Drink Iso Lemon, while the stations at 5K (3.1 miles), 33K (20.5 miles), and 40.5K (25.2 miles) may not provide bananas.
Now, let’s take a quick look at why AA Drink Iso Lemon is a great choice for marathon runners.
What You Need To Know About The AA Drink Iso Lemon
AA Drink Iso Lemon is specially formulated to help you maintain your fluid and energy balance during the race.
It’s packed with essential vitamins like B3, E, B5, B6, and H, which not only keep you hydrated but also support your immune system and metabolism.
During the race, you’ll receive AA Drink Iso Lemon in convenient 0.15L (5.1 fluid oz) cups. At the finish line, you’ll get a refreshing 0.33L (11.1 fluid oz) bottle of AA Drink Iso Lemon to celebrate your accomplishment.
However, remember the golden rule: “Stick to what you’ve practiced during your training. NO NEW THINGS ON RACE DAY.”
As this is a race that many people travel too, you may not have access to AA Drink Iso Lemon, however similar drinks like Gatorade, Powerade, etc. should suffice for training purposes.
While the Amsterdam Marathon offers various hydration and fuel options along the course, it’s essential to have a strategy tailored to your individual needs for peak performance.
Keep in mind that the offerings I mentioned can change from year to year depending on sponsors and how the race is organized. So, before you race, be sure to check the official info for that year to know exactly what’s available.
Additional Details
Here’s the lowdown on some important time-related details for the Amsterdam Marathon:
Energy Bars and Gels
You won’t find any energy bars or gels at the refreshment stations, so if you rely on these, be sure to bring your own.
Course Time Limit
The TCS Amsterdam Marathon has a strict time limit of 6 hours. The finish line at the Olympic Stadium closes at precisely 17:00 hours.
Checkpoints
To help you keep track, here are the checkpoints you should aim for:
- 5 km (3.1 miles): You should reach this point by 10:12 hours.
- 10 km (6.2 miles): Aim to be there by 10:54 hours.
- 15 km (9.3 miles): Target time is 11:36 hours.
- 20 km (12.4 miles): Push to make it by 12:19 hours.
- 25 km (15.5 miles): You should arrive by 13:01 hours.
- 42.2 km (26.2 miles): Absolutely make sure you cross this point by 17:00 hours.
Digital Clocks
You’ll find digital clocks at the start and at various kilometer points. Your time will be recorded every 5 kilometers, and there will be boards at each kilometer marker to help you keep track of your progress.
Sweeper Vehicle
If you’re overtaken by the sweeper vehicle, based on the passing-time table, you’ll be asked to leave the race for safety reasons and hop into the wagon.
If you choose to continue despite this request, you’re doing so at your own risk.
Just remember, once the sweeper vehicle passes, the course opens to traffic again. Water and medical care points will also be removed, and you won’t be eligible for a medal if you’re removed from the race.
So, keep these time limits in mind, and stay on track to achieve your marathon goals!
If you’re looking forward to the cheers and support from your friends and family during the Amsterdam Marathon, here are some fantastic spots along the route where they can cheer you on and show their love…
Spectator Spots: Where Your Loved Ones Can Cheer You On
- The Olympic Stadium: This is the heart of the marathon, where it all begins and ends. They can witness the start and finish, so it’s a must-visit. They should get there early to secure a covered seat in the stands. They won’t have to worry about the weather, rain or shine.
Getting there: They should take the metro to Amstelveenseweg station, then follow the marked route to the stadium.
- Vondelpark: They should head over to Vondelpark, a tranquil green area. They will see you twice, once around 2 km in, and again at 40 km. They should bring a picnic, find a comfy spot on the grass, and cheer you on. Their support will boost your spirits for the final stretch.
Getting there: Metro to Vijzelgracht.
- The Stadhouderskade: They should head over to the stunning Rijksmuseum at around 4 km. They will see you twice, once at 4 km and again at 38 km when you’re heading back. It’s a bit away from the crowds, so they’ll have a good view.
Getting there: Metro to Vijzelgracht (6 min walk) or de Pijp (11 min walk).
- Between 6 and 9 km: They should head over to the Zuidas area, where they will have a chance to see you twice. Look out for you on Beethovenstraat. The Zuid metro station and Mahler parking are just a 15-minute walk away.
- The 13 km Point: As you make a sharp turn at the end of President Kennedylaan, they can see you here as you make a U-turn. Accessible via Europaplein and RAI metro stations or the RAI car park.
- Between 14 And 26 km: This scenic stretch along the Amstel River is where you reach the halfway point. There’s a First Aid point at 16 km and a Mini Marathon just before the first marathoners arrive.
They can take the RAI metro and park at P15 or P16 Europaboulevard.
- Ouderkerk aan de Amstel: They should head over to Brug Oranjebaan, where they will find cozy restaurants. They can also wait along the Amstel River, but it’s narrow, so they should find a spot where they can sit or stand a bit away to give runners space.
No metro here, but they can park at Amstelparking.
- The Amstel Business Park: After the river, they should be prepared to see you cover 5 km through the Amstel Business Park with music, entertainment, and plenty of other spectators. Accessible via Overamstel and Van der Madeweg metro stations.
- Between 32 And 37 km: This is the toughest part of the marathon, so they’ll most definitely be cheering you on. The nearest metro station is Amstel.
- The Home Stretch: As the marathon nears its end, they can cheer you as you climb the Toronto Bridge towards Vondelpark. They’ll find the Polar DJ booth here. The nearest metro is Weesperplein.
In summary, the Amsterdam Marathon is a prestigious event with a long history that attracts both professional and amateur runners.
Its flat and fast course has earned it a reputation as the fourth fastest marathon globally, holding the esteemed World Athletics Platinum Label Road Race status.
While the Amsterdam Marathon provides an excellent opportunity to achieve personal bests and break records due to its minimal elevation changes and runner-friendly terrain, it’s essential to stick to your training and hydration plan on race day.
As you cross the finish line at the historic Olympic Stadium, you’ll not only complete a 42.2-km (26.2 miles) race but also become part of this marathon’s rich history.
So, whether you’re a local or coming from afar, prepare to lace up your running shoes and embrace the Amsterdam Marathon journey.
It’s a race that will stay with you forever, offering breathtaking scenery, cultural richness, and the incredible satisfaction of reaching your marathon goals. Best of luck, and enjoy the run!
Related: A COMPLETE Guide to Amsterdam Marathon Expo: Must-Know Info
Comments are closed.